Jan 27 (Reuters) – Enterprise artificial intelligence software provider C3.AI is in talks to merge ​with software company Automation Anywhere, The Information ‌reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the discussions.

If the ‌deal materializes, Automation Anywhere would buy C3.AI and go public as a result, the report added.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. C3.AI and ⁠Automation Anywhere did ‌not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

California-based C3 offers a ‍platform that enables clients, including the U.S. Air Force, to develop and operate large-scale AI applications. Its AI ​tools are used across the U.S. government ‌as well as in the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Automation Anywhere develops software to automate repetitive tasks. Private investors valued the company at $6.8 billion in 2019, according to The Information report.

Reuters reported ⁠exclusively late last year that ​C3.AI was exploring a potential ​sale, among other options, after its founder Thomas Siebel stepped down as CEO.

C3 ‍AI’s stock ⁠has fallen more than 59% in the last one year amid worsening financial performance and ⁠uncertainty over its strategy and leadership.

(Reporting by Akanksha Khushi ‌in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich, Sherry ‌Jacob-Phillips and Sonia Cheema)